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Just like at home, when camping there are four equally important aspects to feeding yourself and your family: planning your meals (including snacks and plenty of liquids to keep hydrated); storing your food (especially that which must be kept cold); preparing your food (both something to heat it on and heat it in); and eating it (including a comfortable setting along with dishes and utensils). Food, Snacks and Drink Planning If you don't thoroughly plan your meals and take enough food, snacks and drinks someone is going to be hungry or thirsty and, just like at home, it might happen even with the best planning. It is important to plan nutritious and plentiful meals because you will find that both young and old eat more while camping. And don't forget all the snacks and drinks that you and your family consume during the day and evening; you will experience an increased need for them too. Besides planning your menu and what snacks you will need it is important to know what resources will be available where you plan to be camping. Can you buy more of what you will need after you get there (including ice to keep things cold)? Is there drinkable water available?
Coolers and Ice & Non-Perishable Storage Most people consider the need to keep milk, meat and other perishables cold while camping. However, it is equally important to consider the need to properly store the rest of your foodstuff. It is dangerous to leave food laying about your camp site or to store it in your tent, even dry cereal. So besides your ice chest(s) plan to take something in which you can securely store the rest of your food and snacks. It is best if you can lock this and your ice chest(s) in a vehicle at night or when your are away from your camp to protect your food from bears and other wild animals. In some locations, if this isn't possible, you may need to suspend your food storage off the ground between trees. Part of your planning needs to include enough ice chests to hold your perishables, enough ice for the duration of your stay (unless more is available) and enough secure storage for the rest of your foodstuff. I'm Off Work dot Com has a selection of coolers for you to review, such as the classic Coleman 54 Qt. Steel Cooler. Click on its name to see more details or click HERE to see the entire selection. Our selection includes the Coleman 2 Gallon Poly-Lite Jug which is a handy drink dispenser for younger campers.
I'm Off Work dot Com has a variety of camp stoves, such as the Coleman 2 Burner Dual Fuel Stove, for you to review. Click on its name for more details or click HERE to see the full selection. Pots, Pans, Skillet and Cooking Utensils You can take the pots, pans and skillets you need from your home kitchen, but beware, using them with fireboxes or open fires can discolor them or damage the handles. Instead, you may want to buy a set of nestled camping pots and pans (without plastic handles) and cast iron skillets that you use for camping only. And don't forget the cooking utensils (spatula, stirring spoon, potholder, etc.). Click HERE to see the selection of cooking gear and utensils that I'm Off Work dot Com has for you to review. Plates, Bowls, Cups and Eating Utensils The same is true about the dishes you eat on and utensils. You can take what you normally use at home, however, those dishes may not be appropriate. Unbreakable and inexpensive dishes and utensils are best when camping. Paper and plastic are OK for snacks and once in a while, but do you really want to spend a week eating breakfast and dinner on paper plates with plastic forks and knives? You can click HERE to see I'm Off Work dot Com's selection of eating gear and utensils. Another thing to remember is that you won't have a dishwasher or sink handy for cleanup after your meal. Cleanup will require heating water and using a wash tub (two tubs are best), even if you use disposable plates and utensils. Be sure you have a large pot to heat water for washing and rinsing your cookware and dishes.
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Even if your campground has fireboxes or allows open fires it is hard to do without the convenience of an easy-to-light cook stove. And depending on where you camp and the time of the year, fires of any kind may not be allowed. Whether you are backpacking or staying in one spot, whether there are two of you or many, there is a stove or cooking appliance to fit your needs. You can even buy propane powered crock pots and ovens. When planning your camping trip be sure you have enough fuel for your cooking and cleaning needs. If you are not familiar with the campground you are going to and plan to burn wood as fuel, take what you need with you; better safe than sorry.
